Abigail Breslin poses with Kathy Spahn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hellen Keller International ahead of the 2014 Spirit Of Helen Keller Gala held at 583 Park Avenue on Monday night (May 20) in New York City.

The event, which honors those who have joined with Helen Keller International in furthering its vital mission and work in reducing hunger and preventable blindness in some of the world’s poorest places, raised approximately $1 million in support of its sight and lifesaving efforts in Africa, Asia and the United States.

Abigail, who served as an Honorary Junior Chair, spoke at the event, saying, “I am not only here because one of my heroes founded the organization, but also because I am incredibly impressed and inspired by the work of Helen Keller International in preventing blindness and reducing malnutrition around the world.”

She added, “In 2010, I was given the opportunity to portray this extraordinary young woman on Broadway. Through that experience, I gained some important insights into the incredible obstacles Helen overcame to become a leading humanitarian and inspiration for generations to come.”